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Kyushu

FUKUOKA, NAGASAKI, BEPPU AND MORE

Kyūshū is the third largest of the islands that comprise the Japanese archipelago and is easily accessible via boat, plane or train. The island itself is popular for its temperate climate as it maintains a few additional degrees of warmth compared to other parts of mainland Japan. It also offers an equally vast array of scenery ranging from built up cityscapes to luxuriant hot-spring resorts, rich with greenery. The hub of most transportation on to and off of the island is the city of Fukuoka, which sits towards the north. Within Fukuoka sits one of the most compact districts in the world, Hakata, hosting an international airport, train stations and a port, all packed into a small 2.5-kilometer radius. Whether a city dweller, adventure traveller, hot spring enthusiast or even simply a lover of Japanese anime, Kyūshū serves as an idyllic destination for any traveller to Japan searching for something new.

 

Highlights of Kyūshū Island

Travelling slightly west from the entry hub of Fukuoka will take visitors to the historically iconic landmark of Nagasaki, which played a major role in foreign trade with the rest of the world. Then, following the curve of the island back to the east sits Ōita Prefecture and one of Japan’s most well-known hot spring resorts, Beppu, with its affectionately named 'Hells' collection of hot springs. Those searching away from the built up areas don’t have to look too far, with Mount Aso sitting steadfast in the island’s centre and Yakushima floating nearby the island's southern coast.

  • Dine at the streetside yatai (屋台/food stands) which serve as a focal point of Fukuoka’s unique food culture; either draped in plastic tarpaulin in the cooler seasons to cocoon the patrons in warmth, or left open to allow the sea breeze to cool them down.
  • Discover the Hells of Beppu that dot the city districts with their assortment of vivid colours, from sea blue to blood red. Evidenced by their bubbling surface, these aren't used for bathing, but can be put to good use for making soft-boiled eggs instead.
  • Stroll through the man-made port island of Dejima in Nagasaki and its impressive architectural style, influenced by Danish traders. Then travel north to visit the tranquil Nagasaki Peace Park which commemorates the city’s history and those who lost their lives in Japan's second atomic bombing.
  • Brave an active volcano by climbing to Aso’s caldera - considered to be one of the largest in the world with a circumference of 100 kilometres. Sometimes the area is closed to visitors due to an increase of the volcano’s toxic fumes or potential for volcanic activity.
  • Travel by boat or by plane to the subtropical island of Yakushima and its cedar forests and its trees said to be more than 7000 years old. Regular rainfall creates a misty shroud that permeates the island, famously inspiring the setting for Hayao Miyazaki’s archetypal animated movie Princess Mononoke.

 Self guided tours

Discover the country at your own pace with our detailed maps and walking instructions. Everything else - from rail tickets to accommodations - are all organised by us, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying excellent local home-cooked meals and world class hospitality.

Self-Guided
Kyushu's Hidden History: Self-guided Walk and Explore

Combine walks through nature and exploration days in key historical areas as you make your way from Kyūshū’s eastern coast to the western port city of Nagasaki.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
8 Days
From USD 2,590
 Guided tours

Sign up as individual travellers and leave as lifelong friends on an Oku Japan small-group guided tour. With a maximum of 13 people in any group, our tours ensure you get the full attention of your local guide who themselves share a passion for Japan. Whether it’s traditions, food, society or history, learn the ins and outs together with your fellow travellers and the assistance of our fully-licensed, bilingual guides.

Guided
Land of Fire Kyushu

A small-group guided walking tour to Kyūshū with short hikes of 1-3 hours

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
15 Days
From USD 6,035